Apparatus and method for controller accessory

ABSTRACT

An electronic smart device controller comprising a right side panel, a left side panel, and optionally a chassis and a detachable cradle. The right side panel and the left side panel can receive the chassis or the detachable cradle.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. U.S. application Ser. No.14/329,248, filed Jul. 11, 2014, which claims the benefit of priorityunder 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/879,408,filed Sep. 18, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/844,929,filed Jul. 11, 2013. The above applications are hereby incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety and are to be considered as a partof this specification.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to controllers for electronicdevices. More specifically, the present invention relates to gamecontrollers for hand-held smart devices.

Description of the Related Art

With a growing number of hand-held electronic devices available toconsumers, there is an increasing need for secondary accessories thatmodify and enhance these devices. Many such accessories exploit existingcapabilities of the hand-held devices by enhancing and simplifying aconsumer's ability to use the device. As an example, an accessory maymodify a hand-held device so that an attachment provides additionalfunctionalities to the device. As another example, an attachment mayenhance a user's ability to enjoy application software available for thesmart devices, such as game applications, by providing additionalcontrols.

One of the more recently developed electronic devices are e-readers,tablets, or smart devices having relatively large screens. These smartdevices are often used for reading books, internet browsing, watchingstored movies, playing games, and other work or recreational activities.Many of these devices, as well as some popular cell phones, and inparticular smart phones, have evolved to having a full touch screen andno traditional attachments, such as an alpha-numeric keyboard, joystick,or a game controller. Touch screens also present additional challengesto game users in that the lack of a traditional keyboard, joystick, or acontroller generally decreases a user's ability to react with sufficientcomfort, ease, and speed to the demands of a game application. Forexample, by navigating a game application by means of a touch screen, auser typically utilizes only an index finger of one hand as opposed totraditional game controllers which provide a variety of controls andbuttons so that a user may engage one or more fingers of both hands. Asanother example, controlling a smart device software application, suchas a game application, by means of a touch screen may present a problemin that a user may block certain parts of the touch screen whileengaging fingers on the touch screen. Thus, a user may be deprived of ahigher level of enjoyment of the smart device game and otherapplications. Further, most smart hand-held devices are not equipped forlong-term use in that a user must continuously hold or otherwise prop-upthe device. For example, the smart devices themselves are generallyplanar and need to be propped or angled by hand to view the screen. Thiscan be cumbersome and taxing for extended periods of time andchallenging when the user engages in use of a game or other application.Even though many smart devices have the capability to function like apersonal computer or another gaming device, most are not designed forsuch extensive usage. As a result, a number of secondary accessorieshave been developed to modify the smart devices for enhanced andsimplified use such as an attachable keyboard. However, there is a lackof an accessory providing additional controls which a user could utilizefor a smart device software applications such as game applications.

Game accessories such as game controllers are known in the art. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,802 discloses a game controller withpressure-sensitive analog sensors for video game machines. U.S. Pat. No.6,659,870 discloses a game controller with an additional steering lever.U.S. Pat. No. 7,794,326 further discloses a game controller with avariety of controls and pivotal grips ensuring ergonomics of the gamecontroller. The problem is that none of the game controllers arecompatible and can be used with the smart hand-held devices such asiPhone®, iPad®, or iPad Mini.

Therefore, there remains a need for a game controller accessory forelectronic smart devices that provides a user with enhanced ability toutilize and enjoy the smart device application software by offeringadditional control options besides the touch screen.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses one or more of the above needs byproviding a controller accessory for hand-held smart devices. Onepossible embodiment of the present teachings includes: an electronicsmart device controller comprising a right side panel, a left sidepanel, a detachable chassis, and a detachable cradle. The right sidepanel and the left side panel may receive the detachable chassis or thedetachable cradle, such that the detachable chassis can be fastenedbetween the right side panel and the left side panel. The detachablecradle may be fastened between the right side panel and the left sidepanel, such that the detachable chassis can be completely removed andsubstituted with a detachable cradle, so that the detachable cradle issubstantially planar with a depression portion and serves as a housingfor a smart device. The smart device may be inserted into the depressionportion of the cradle so that the cradle can support the smart device,and wherein the cradle with the smart device is attached to the rightside panel and the left side panel.

Another possible embodiment of the present teachings includes: anelectronic smart device controller comprising a right side panel, a leftside panel and an undetachable cradle. The undetachable cradle may befastened to the right side panel and the left side panel, such that theundetachable cradle is substantially planar with a depression portionand serves as a housing for a smart device. The smart device may beinserted into the depression portion so that the controller can supportthe smart device.

The teachings herein also provide for a method comprising: providing (i)a right side panel, (ii) a left side panel, and (iii) a detachablechassis and attaching the right side panel to the detachable chassis onthe right side of the chassis and attaching the left side panel to thedetachable chassis on the left side of the chassis. The method mayinclude detaching the right side panel from the detachable chassis anddetaching the left side panel from the detachable chassis. The methodmay further include providing a right side panel, a left side panel, asmart device, and a detachable cradle having dimensions fit forsupporting the smart device, a depression portion to house the smartdevice, and a raised wall. The method may also include inserting thesmart device into the depression portion of the cradle so that it isleaning against the raised wall of the cradle, inserting the cradle withthe smart device to the right side panel and the left side panel, andattaching the right side panel and the left side panel to the detachablecradle securely.

The present teachings provide a controller that is specificallycompatible and fit for one or more smart devices by providing adetachable or undetachable cradle for supporting the one or more smartdevices; therefore the user is not limited to controlling the smartdevice software application with touch screen only. In addition, thecontroller allows for enhanced enjoyment of the user's smart device byenabling the user to utilize both hands in controlling the softwareapplications at the same time, therefore increasing the number ofcontrol options the user has, the speed and quality of the user'sresponse to the demands of the software applications, and adding overallflexibility in use and function of the smart device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative example of thecontroller, shown assembled with the detachable chassis and side panelsin accordance with the present teachings.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the controller of FIG. 1 with thedetachable chassis (not shown) removed, shown assembled with thedetachable cradle to accommodate a smart device (not shown) inaccordance with the present teachings.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the controller of FIG. 1 illustratingthe disassembled controller's right and left side panels, the detachablecradle, and a smart device.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the front of the controller of FIG. 1with the right and left side panels attached to the detachable chassis.

FIG. 5 is a perspective side view of the controller of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective top view of the controller of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the back of the controller of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a perspective front and side view of the controller of FIG. 1,shown with the detachable cradle inserted between the right and leftside panels.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the top of the controller of FIG. 1,shown with the detachable cradle supporting a smart device insertedbetween the right and left side panels.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the back of the controller of FIG. 1,shown with the detachable cradle inserted between the right and leftside panels.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another illustrative example of thecontroller with an undetachable cradle placed between the right and leftside panels in accordance with the present teachings.

FIG. 12 is a side and back view of the controller as shown in FIG. 11,showing the undetachable cradle supporting a smart device, the shoulderbuttons and the ergonomic shape of the side panels.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the bottom of the controller as shownin FIG. 11, showing the undetachable cradle supporting a smart deviceattached to the right and left side panels.

FIG. 14 is a perspective front view of the controller as shown in FIG.11, illustrating controls on the right side panel.

FIG. 15 a perspective back view of the controller as shown in FIG. 11,illustrating controls on the left side panel.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the bottom of the controller of FIG.11, shown with the shoulder buttons and the undetachable cradlesupporting a smart device.

FIG. 17 is a perspective front view of the controller of FIG. 11, shownwith the undetachable cradle attached to the right and left side panels,supporting a smart device.

FIG. 18 is a perspective side and top view of the controller of FIG. 11,shown with the undetachable cradle supporting a smart device.

FIG. 19 is a perspective side view of the controller of FIG. 11, shownwith the undetachable cradle supporting a smart device.

FIG. 20 is a perspective back view of another embodiment of a controllerwith a cradle supporting a smart device on three sides, leaving one sideof the smart device free of support.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S.Provisional Application Nos. 61/844,929 (filed Jul. 11, 2013) and61/879,408 (filed Sep. 18, 2013), the entirety of the contents of theseapplications being hereby incorporated by reference herein for allpurposes.

The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended toacquaint others skilled in the art with the teachings, its principles,and its practical application. Those skilled in the art may adapt andapply the teachings in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to therequirements of a particular use. Accordingly, the specific embodimentsof the present teachings as set forth are not intended as beingexhaustive or limiting of the teachings. The scope of the teachingsshould, therefore, be determined not with reference to the abovedescription, but should instead be determined with reference to theappended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which suchclaims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references,including patent applications and publications, are incorporated byreference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible as willbe gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby incorporatedby reference into this written description.

The present teachings provide a controller accessory for an electronicdigital device, such as a hands-free smart device that may be cordless,mobile, capable of voice and video communication, internet browsing, andautonomous operation. The controller can function with a variety ofsmart devices, such as digital media extenders, smart phones, andtablets; more specifically with iOS (iPhone OS) devices such as AppleTV®, iPhone®, iPad®, or iPad Mini.

The controller may have any size, shape, configuration, or a combinationthereof so that the controller may house internal parts of a common gamecontroller, such as a printed circuit board and may be gripped with aleft hand, right hand, or both. Preferably, the controller has anergonomic shape so that the controller accommodates one or more fingersof a right hand and/or one or more fingers of a left hand, feelscomfortable to the user, reduces soreness and cramps after extended use,and allows for 3-D motion enhanced gaming.

In one embodiment, the controller comprises a right side panel, a leftside panel, a detachable chassis, and a detachable cradle. The rightside panel accommodates controls for the right hand. The right sidepanel may be attachable to the right side of the chassis and/or theright side of the cradle. The right side panel may have any size, shape,configuration, or a combination thereof so that the right side panel canbe gripped with a right hand. Preferably, the right side panel has anergonomic shape so that the right side panel accommodates one or morefingers of the right hand so that the one or more fingers of the righthand may provide input. Even more preferably, the right side panel hassuch shape that when a smart device is inserted into the controller, theright side panel does not block any of the smart device's controls andallows the user full utilization of the smart device including the smartdevice's screen, speakers, volume button, power on/off button, camera, acombination thereof, or the like.

The left side panel accommodates controls for the left hand. The leftside panel is attachable to the left side of the chassis and/or the leftside of the cradle. The left side panel may have any size, shape,configuration, or a combination thereof so that the left side panel canbe gripped with a left hand. Preferably, the left side panel has anergonomic shape so that the left side panel accommodates one or morefingers of the left hand so that the one or more fingers of the lefthand may provide input. Even more preferably, the left side panel hassuch shape that when a smart device is inserted into the controller, theleft side panel does not block any of the smart device's controls andallows the user full utilization of the smart device including the smartdevice's screen, speakers, volume button, power on/off button, camera, acombination thereof, or the like.

The right side panel, the left side panel, or both may further includeone or more openings to accommodate a chassis, a cradle, a smart deviceor some combination thereof. The openings may have any size, shape,configuration, or a combination thereof so that the chassis, a cradle, asmart device, or both fit securely between the right side panel and theleft side panel. Preferably, the openings are slots in the inner middlesections of the right side panel and left side panel. More preferably,the openings have dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of theconnection parts of the chassis, the cradle, or both.

The chassis serves as a central piece of the controller. The chassis mayhave any size, shape, configuration, or a combination thereof so thatthe chassis can accommodate the right side panel on the right side andthe left side panel on the left side. The chassis may be detachable. Thechassis may have one or more connection parts providing secureconnection to the right side panel and/or the left side panel. Theconnection can be any connection commonly utilized in controllers,preferably a connection which allows for easy and frequent assembly anddisassembly of the controller, such as a magnetic connection, a snap-fitconnection, a combination thereof, or the like. The snap-fit connectioncan be any shape, size, configuration or a combination thereof, such asa cantilever beam snap fit, a cylindrical snap fit, a spherical snapfit, a combination thereof, or the like. The chassis may also have oneor more connection parts which correspond to and can be fitted into theone or more openings in the right side panel, the left side panel, orboth.

The right side panel, the left side panel, the chassis, or a combinationthereof may include one or more controls, such as gaming controls, suchas an analog stick, dual analog sticks, directional pad, arrow buttons,face action buttons, shoulder buttons, start and select buttons, on andoff buttons, guide buttons, back buttons, central buttons, or the like.The right side panel, the left side panel, the chassis, or a combinationthereof may also include at least one specialized control, such as asteering wheel. The controls may be single or multi-functional, have agiven function or be assigned a variety of functions. The controls maybe backlit, removable or non-removable, and interchangeable. Thecontrols may be made of any material commonly utilized in controls forelectronic devices, such as plastic, or the like; more preferably rubberor acrylic. Preferably, the controls are made of a material which offerssufficient grip, is pleasant to the user's touch, can be easily cleaned,and can withstand a prolonged use. The controls may be incorporated intothe controller in any layout, such as a full-size console layout.Preferably, the layout of the controls is as user friendly as possible,such as that the layout encourages repeated presses of the same controlor mimics actual triggers such as those found on guns, or the like.

The controller assembled with the right side panel and the left sidepanel attached to the chassis may be utilized as a controller fordigital media extenders, such as Apple TV®. The controller including theright side panel, the left side panel, and the chassis can bedisassembled, the chassis can be completely removed and replaced with adetachable cradle which will accommodate and support a smart device,such as iPhone®, iPad®, iPad Mini, or the like. The controller panelsmay attach directly to a smart device and may be free of any chassis orcradle. The controller, the right side panel and the left side panel areuniversal in a sense that the right side panel and the left side panelcan be used with detachable cradles of various sizes, shapes, andconfigurations, accommodating a variety of smart devices.

The cradle serves as a support for a smart device. The cradle of allembodiments of this invention may have any size, shape, configuration,or a combination thereof so that the cradle can accommodate a smartdevice, such as iPhone®, iPad®, iPad Mini, or the like. The cradle mayhave a shape corresponding to a shape of a smart device to be insertedin the cradle such as a rectangle, square, or the like. Preferably, thecradle is substantially planar and has the dimensions corresponding todimensions of a specific smart device so that the cradle can accommodatethe specific smart device. Preferably, the cradle has shape anddimensions so that the smart device fits snuggly against the cradle andcan be securely placed, inserted, slid, attached, and the like to thecradle without being able to change location within the cradle. Thecontroller may also be free of any cradle portion.

The cradle may have other features which will enhance secureaccommodation of a smart device within the cradle, such as a depressionportion, one or more slots, and one or more raised walls. The depressionportion, the one or more slots, the one or more raised walls, or acombination thereof may have any size, shape, configuration, or acombination thereof so that the cradle can accommodate a smart devicesecurely. Preferably, the depression portion, the one or more slots, theone or more raised walls have the dimensions to accommodate a specificsmart device so that the smart device fits snuggly and can be securelyplaced in the depression portion, against the one or more raised walls,or a combination thereof without being able to change location withinthe cradle. A user may slide a smart device in the one or more slots.Preferably, the smart device is easy to slide in and out of the one ormore slots while fitting snuggly enough within the one or more slots asto prevent accidental discharge of the smart device from the one or moreslots. Preferably, the cradle has a raised wall on the cradle's rightside, left side, front side, back side, and/or a combination thereof.

The cradle may include one or more openings, such as a central opening.The one or more openings may have any size, shape, configuration, or acombination thereof so that the one or more portions, such as a backportion of a smart device inserted in the cradle is at least partiallyvisible through the one or more openings. The cradle may provide supportalong the whole perimeter of the smart device or along certain parts ofthe perimeter of the smart device, such as the cradle may providesupport along one, two, or three sides of the smart device, leaving theremaining sides free of support. The cradle may also have no opening sothat the cradle can offer maximum support for a smart device.

The cradle may further include one or more device openings. The one ormore device openings may have any size, shape, configuration, or acombination thereof so that one or more controls and a screen of a smartdevice are not covered by the cradle. Preferably, the one or more deviceopenings correspond to the shape and dimensions of the one or morecontrols of the smart device, such as an on and off button, a resetbutton, a volume button, a microphone opening, a speaker, a screenbrightness adjuster, a camera lens, an opening for a charger, or thelike. More preferably, the one or more device openings correspond to theshape and dimensions of the one or more controls of the smart device insuch a way that the user is not prevented from manipulating andutilizing the one or more functions and one or more controls of thesmart device while the smart device is placed in the cradle, while thesmart device in the cradle is inserted between the right side panel andthe left side panel, or both.

The cradle may be attached to the right side panel on the right side andthe left side panel on the left side. The cradle may be detachable. Thecradle may have one or more connection parts providing secure connectionto the right side panel and the left side panel. The connection can beany connection commonly utilized in controllers, preferably a connectionwhich allows for easy and frequent assembly and disassembly of thecontroller, such as a magnetic connection, a snap-fit connection,mechanical keys, a combination thereof, or the like. The snap-fitconnection can be any shape, size, configuration or a combinationthereof, such as a cantilever beam snap fit, a cylindrical snap fit, aspherical snap fit, a combination thereof, or the like. The cradle mayalso have one or more connection parts which correspond to and can befitted into the one or more openings in the right side panel, the leftside panel, or both.

The cradle may include additional support components on one or moresides of the cradle, such as support wings which may slide into the oneor more openings in the right side panel, the left side panel, or both.

The controller may include additional components enhancing use of thecontroller. For example, the controller may include at least onewireless connection, such as Bluetooth® or infrared light-emittingdiodes (LEDs) for exchanging data between the smart device and thecontroller in the right side panel, left side panel, the chassis, thecradle, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the controller hasBluetooth® connectivity.

The controller may include at least one power connector to provide awired connection between the smart device and the controller in theright side panel, left side panel, the cradle, or a combination thereof.The at least one power connector may be any connector typically utilizedto connect a smart device to a host device, such as a 30-pin dockconnector or Apple Lightning® connector.

The controller may be powered by wires, have power storage, such as atleast one battery, or a combination thereof. The controller may offerone or more power saver modes which provide for an extended batterylife. The power storage may be any battery commonly used in controllers,such as AA batteries. The battery may be any size, shape, configuration,or a combination thereof. The battery can be rechargeable ornon-rechargeable. The power storage can be a rechargeable ornon-rechargeable battery pack made of any material commonly used inbattery packs, such as nickel metal hydride so that the battery providesa user with extended continuous gaming experience.

The controller may further include at least one docking port enablingcharging of the smart device while the smart device is inserted into thecontroller in the right side panel, left side panel, the cradle, or acombination thereof. The at least one docking port may have any size,shape, configuration, or a combination thereof so that it enablescharging of the smart device.

The controller may include one or more speakers in the right side panel,left side panel, the chassis, the cradle, or a combination thereof. Theone or more speakers may be located on any side of the right side panel,left side panel, or the chassis. The one or more speakers may have anysize, shape, configuration, or a combination thereof so that the usermay utilize sound effects offered by the smart device applicationsoftware.

The controller may include at least one device enabling vibration of thecontroller in the right side panel, left side panel, the chassis, thecradle, or a combination thereof. The at least one device enablingvibration may have any size, shape, configuration, or a combinationthereof so that the user may experience enhanced enjoyment of effectsoffered by the smart device application software.

The controller may include at least one microphone jack in the rightside panel, left side panel, the chassis, the cradle, or a combinationthereof. The one or more microphone jacks may be located on any side ofthe right side panel, left side panel, the chassis, or the cradle.

In an alternative embodiment, the controller may have a right sidepanel, a left side panel, and a nondetachable cradle, but may notinclude a detachable chassis. The right side panel is affixed to theright side of the undetachable cradle and the left side panel is affixedto the left side of the undetachable cradle so that a user does notdetach the cradle. The connection between the right side panel, the leftside panel, and the cradle can be any connection as described above,such as a magnetic connection, a snap-fit connection, a combinationthereof, or the like. Additionally, the right side panel and the leftside panel may be attached to the cradle by means of glue application orfasteners including but not limited to screws, bolt, nuts, a combinationthereof, or the like. In this embodiment, the controller may accommodatea specific smart device with dimensions corresponding to the dimensionsof the undetachable cradle.

The controller of all embodiments of this invention may be made of anymaterial commonly utilized in controllers for electronic devices, suchas plastic, or the like. Preferably, the controller is made of alightweight material which can withstand a prolonged use, can be easilycleaned, is pleasant to the user's touch, and is anti-static.

A secure accommodation of a smart device in a detachable or undetachablecradle may require materials offering requisite rigidity such aspolymeric materials including but not limited to thermoplastics,thermoset plastics, elastomeric materials or any combination thereof.Examples of polymeric and elastomeric materials that may be employedinclude nylon, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, high-densitypolyethylene, low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene,polyvinylidene chloride polyamide, polyester, polystyrene, polyethylene,polyethylene terephthlate, bio-based plastics/biopolymers (e.g., polylactic acid), silicone, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS),polycarbonate (PC), a blend of ABS and PC, rubber, polyisoprene, butylrubber, polybutadiene, EPM rubber, EPDM rubber, or any combinationthereof. Additional suitable materials may include bio-plastics such asthose derived from wood pulp-based lignin (e.g., liquid wood), sugarcaneor other petroleum-free moldable materials. Different components of thecontroller may be composed of different materials. As an example, theright side portion and the left side portion may be made of a differentmaterial than the chassis or the cradle.

One or more surfaces of the controller (including the right sideportion, the left side portion, the chassis, the cradle, the controls)may include rubberized/elastomeric portions. A tactile or texturedcoating may be provided to offer a comfortable and sure gripping surfacefor a user for ease of carrying and utilizing the controller.Preferably, some parts of the controller have non-slip rubber surface toensure enhanced grip.

The method may include one or more of the following steps, and the stepsmay be performed in virtually any order. Locating and providing a rightside panel, a left side panel, and a detachable chassis. Assembling thecontroller by using the right side panel, the left side panel, and thedetachable chassis. Engaging connection parts of the detachable chassisand connection, opening, or both of the right side panel. Attaching theright side panel to the detachable chassis on the right side of thechassis. Engaging connection parts of the detachable chassis andconnection, opening, or both of the left side panel. Attaching the leftside panel to the detachable chassis on the left side of the chassis.Disassembling the controller. Detaching the right side panel from thedetachable chassis. Detaching the left side panel from the detachablechassis. Locating and providing a right side panel, a left side panel, asmart device, and a detachable cradle having: dimensions fit forsupporting the smart device, a depression portion to house the smartdevice, and a raised wall. Assembling the controller by using the rightside panel, the left side panel, and the detachable cradle. Insertingthe smart device into the depression portion of the cradle so that thesmart device is leaning against the raised wall of the cradle. Insertingthe cradle with the smart device to the right side panel and the leftside panel. Attaching the right side panel and the left side panel tothe cradle securely. Engaging connection parts of the detachable cradleand connection, opening, or both of the right side panel. Attaching theright side panel to the detachable cradle on the right side of thecradle. Engaging connection parts of the detachable cradle andconnection, opening, or both of the left side panel. Attaching the leftside panel to the detachable cradle on the left side of the chassis.

The method may also include locating and providing a controllercomprising the right side panel, the left side panel, and theundetachable cradle; locating a smart device of dimensions correspondingto the dimensions of the undetachable cradle; and inserting the smartdevice into the undetachable cradle of the controller.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative example of thecontroller 1, shown assembled with the detachable chassis 2 and sidepanels 3, 4 in accordance with the present teachings. The right sidepanel 3 is shown with a right analog stick 6 and a set of four faceaction buttons 9 and the left side panel 4 is shown with a left analogstick 7 and the directional pad 8. The chassis 2 is shown with a centralbutton 5.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the controller 1 of FIG. 1 with thedetachable chassis 2 (not shown) removed, shown assembled with thedetachable cradle 20 to accommodate a smart device 30 (not shown) inaccordance with the present teachings. As illustrated, the detachablecradle 20 is inserted between and securely connected to the right sidepanel 3 and the left side panel 4.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the controller 1 of FIG. 1 illustratingthe disassembled controller's right and left side panels 3, 4, thedetachable cradle 20, and a smart device 30. The smart device 30 is tobe placed on the detachable cradle 20 and inserted into the right andleft side panels 3, 4. The cradle 20 is shown with a central opening 21in the middle of the detachable cradle 20, four mechanical keys 22 onthe right and left sides of the detachable cradle 20, and two supportcomponents 23 on the right and left sides of the detachable cradle 20.The detachable cradle 20 further includes a raised wall 24 on the rightside, left side, and the front side of the detachable cradle 20 tosupport a smart device 30 once the smart device 30 is inserted into thedetachable cradle 20.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the front of the controller 1 of FIG. 1with the right and left side panels 3, 4 attached to the detachablechassis 2. The detachable chassis 2 is shown attached to the right andleft side panels 3, 4 and including a central button 5. The right sidepanel 3 is shown with the right analog stick 6, the set of face actionbuttons 9, an arrow button 10, and a shoulder button 11. The left sidepanel 4 is shown with the left analog stick 7, the directional pad 8, anarrow button 10, and a shoulder button 11.

FIG. 5 is a perspective side view of the controller 1 of FIG. 1. Thecontroller is shown with the detachable chassis 2 attached to the rightside panel 3 and the left side panel 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective top view of the controller 1 of FIG. 1. Thecontroller is shown with the detachable chassis 2 attached to the rightside panel 3 and the left side panel 4.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the back of the controller 1 of FIG. 1.The controller is shown with the detachable chassis 2 attached to theright side panel 3 and the left side panel 4. As illustrated, the backof the right side panel 3 and left side panel 4 includes two shoulderbuttons 11 each.

FIG. 8 is a perspective front and side view of the controller 1 of FIG.1, shown with the detachable cradle 20 inserted between the right andleft side panels 3, 4. As illustrated, the detachable cradle 20supporting a smart device 30 is inserted between the right side panel 3and the left side panel 4 so that the smart device 30 leans against theraised wall 24 of the detachable cradle 20.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the top of the controller 1 of FIG. 1,shown with the detachable cradle 20 supporting a smart device 30inserted between the right and left side panels 3, 4. As illustrates,the detachable cradle 20 includes support components 23 on the ride andleft sides of the detachable cradle.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the back of the controller 1 of FIG. 1,shown with the detachable cradle 20 inserted between the right and leftside panels 3, 4.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another illustrative example of thecontroller 1 with an undetachable cradle 20 placed between the right andleft side panels 3, 4 in accordance with the present teachings. Asillustrated, the undetachable cradle 20 supports a smart device 30placed upon the undetachable cradle 20. The undetachable cradle 20includes support components 23 on the right and left side of theundetachable cradle and the raised wall 24 which the smart device 30leans against.

FIG. 12 is a side and back view of the controller 1 as shown in FIG. 11,showing the undetachable cradle 20 supporting a smart device 30, theshoulder buttons 11 and the ergonomic shape of the side panels 3, 4.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the bottom of the controller 1 as shownin FIG. 11, showing the undetachable cradle 20 supporting a smart device30 attached to the right and left side panels 3, 4. As illustrated, theundetachable cradle 20 includes a central opening 21 through which thesmart device 30 can be seen. The undetachable cradle is affixed to theright side panel left side panels 3, 4 with fasteners 12.

FIG. 14 is a perspective front view of the controller 1 as shown in FIG.11, illustrating controls on the right side panel 3. The controlsdepicted are the right analog stick 6, an arrow button 10, and a set offace action buttons 9.

FIG. 15 a perspective back view of the controller 1 as shown in FIG. 11,illustrating controls on the left side panel 4. The controls depictedare the left analog stick 7, an arrow button 10, and the directional pad8. As illustrated, the left side panel 4 also includes two shoulderbuttons 11.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the bottom of the controller 1 of FIG.11, shown with the shoulder buttons 11 and the undetachable cradle 20supporting a smart device 30. As illustrated, the undetachable cradle 20includes a central opening 21 through which the smart device 30 can beseen. The back sides of the right and left side panels 3, 4 includeshoulder buttons 11. The right and left side panels 3, 4 are attached tothe undetachable cradle 20 with fasteners 12.

FIG. 17 is a perspective front view of the controller 1 of FIG. 11,shown with the undetachable cradle 20 attached to the right and leftside panels 3, 4, supporting a smart device 30.

FIG. 18 is a perspective side and top view of the controller 1 of FIG.11, shown with the undetachable cradle 20 supporting a smart device 30.

FIG. 19 is a perspective side view of the controller 1 of FIG. 11, shownwith the undetachable cradle 20 supporting a smart device 30. Asillustrated, the undetachable cradle 20 includes a raised wall 24 whichthe smart device 30 leans against once inserted into the undetachablecradle 20.

FIG. 20 is a perspective back view of another embodiment of a controller1 with a cradle 20 supporting a smart device 30 on three sides, leavingone side of the smart device 30 free of support. As illustrated, thecradle 20 has two slots 26 which the smart device 30 slides into. Thecradle 20 also features a device opening 27 allowing a user to utilizethe smart device's camera lens.

Although the controller described herein includes illustrations relatingto its use with an e-reader/tablet style device such as the iPhone®,iPad®, and iPad Mini (available from Apple, Inc., Cupertino, Calif.), itis understood that the controller can be formed in alternative sizes,shapes and configurations to serve as a controller having the describedfeatures and utilities for other electronic devices such as smartphones, MP3 players, computing devices, and other popular electronicdevices.

Any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lowervalue to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that thereis a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and anyhigher value. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of acomponent or a value of a process variable such as, for example,temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90,preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intendedthat values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc. areexpressly enumerated in this specification. For values which are lessthan one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 asappropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intendedand all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowestvalue and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to beexpressly stated in this application in a similar manner.

Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and allnumbers between the endpoints. The use of “about” or “approximately” inconnection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, “about20 to 30” is intended to cover “about 20 to about 30”, inclusive of atleast the specified endpoints.

The disclosures of all articles and references, including patentapplications and publications, are incorporated by reference for allpurposes. The term “consisting essentially of” to describe a combinationshall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified,and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do notmaterially affect the basic and novel characteristics of thecombination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” todescribe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or stepsherein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of theelements, ingredients, components or steps. By use of the term “may”herein, it is intended that any described attributes that “may” beincluded are optional.

Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by asingle integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively,a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step might bedivided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps.The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element, ingredient,component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements,ingredients, components or steps.

It is understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments as well as manyapplications besides the examples provided will be apparent to those ofskill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of theinvention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to theabove description, but should instead be determined with reference tothe appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to whichsuch claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles andreferences, including patent applications and publications, areincorporated by reference for all purposes. The omission in thefollowing claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosedherein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it beregarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to bepart of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

1. An electronic smart device controller comprising: a right side panel;a left side panel; a detachable chassis; and a detachable cradle;wherein the right side panel and the left side panel can receive thedetachable chassis or the detachable cradle.
 2. The controller of claim1, wherein the detachable chassis can be fastened between the right sidepanel and the left side panel,
 3. The controller of claim 1, wherein thedetachable cradle can be fastened between the right side panel and theleft side panel,
 4. The controller of claim 1, wherein the detachablechassis can be completely removed and substituted with a detachablecradle,
 5. The controller of claim 1, wherein the detachable cradle issubstantially planar with a depression portion and serves as a housingfor a smart device.
 6. The controller of claim 1, wherein the smartdevice is inserted into the depression portion of the cradle so that thecradle can support the smart device.
 7. The controller of claim 1,wherein the cradle with the smart device is attached to the right sidepanel and the left side panel.
 8. The controller of claim 1, wherein thedetachable cradle has a raised wall, wherein the raised wall is at leaston one side of the cradle so that the smart device is leaning againstthe raised wall once the smart device is inserted into the cradle. 9.The controller of claim 1, wherein the detachable cradle has dimensionsfit for supporting a smart phone or a tablet.
 10. The controller ofclaim 1, wherein the detachable cradle has dimensions fit for supportingan iPhone, an iPad, or an iPad Mini.
 11. The controller of claim 1,wherein the controller can serve as a controller for Apple TV when thechassis is attached to the right side panel and the left side panel. 12.The controller of claim 1, wherein the cradle has a central opening. 13.The controller of claim 1, wherein the controller has at least onewireless connection.
 14. The controller of claim 1, wherein the rightside panel and the left side panel have openings to receive the chassisor the detachable cradle.
 15. The controller of claim 1, wherein thecradle has mechanical keys for attachment to the right side panel andthe left side panel.
 16. The controller of claim 1, wherein the cradlehas support components on the right side and the left side of thecradle.
 17. The controller of claim 1, wherein the control buttons are aright analog stick, a left analog stick, a directional pad, a set offace buttons, and arrow buttons.
 18. The controller of claim 1, whereinthe detachable chassis has a central button.
 19. The controller of claim1, wherein the right side panel and the left side panel have at leastone shoulder button each.
 20. The controller of claim 1, wherein thecontroller has at least one docking port.